Lakefront Connectivity

Overcoming barriers and uniting lakefront attractions with the downtown, and city neighborhoods, and suburbs east to west, and north to south are key objectives of the Coalition’s advocacy policy and development initiatives.

We support proposals already in play, including:

Lakefront Greenways Project to construct all-purpose trails along the East Shoreway Marginal Roads, and link the lakefront and trails via bridges spanning the freeway and rail line at multiple locations.

The NOACA funded protected bike lanes on Superior Avenue from Public Square to E. 55th.

Cuyahoga County Greenways Plan, which has established the framework for dedicated trail routes to connect the suburbs with the Cuyahoga Valley canal towpath, and the Metroparks and Cleveland trail network.

The Coalition has proposed two connectivity projects of our own.

The GRC Harbor Land Bridge Proposal creates a descending green space from Mall C (over the Convention Center) to the proposed connector building between the Rock Hall and Science Center, and bridging rail lines, freeway and side streets. (Details – refer to Projects Section)

GRC has also proposed realigning I-90 through the former First Energy Power Plant site to create an expanded Gordon Park footprint, and facilitate better access to the Lakefront Nature Preserve, approaches to the trails along the MLK Blvd through the Cultural Gardens to University Circle, and opening-up development opportunities and connections in the adjacent neighborhoods. (Details – refer to Projects Section)

Green Ribbon Coalition is also exploring future projects including “Harbor Overlooks” on the parking garages behind County Court House, and City Hall, with trail connections; extension of the Red Line Greenway into Tower City; and a bikeway in the former subway tunnel beneath the ironic High-Level Bridge spanning the Flats.